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In today's interconnected world, shopping from international retailers has become increasingly popular. However, many online stores still don't offer worldwide shipping, or their international shipping rates are prohibitively expensive. This is where ReShip comes in – a package forwarding service that bridges the gap between you and your favorite international retailers. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about ReShip, from how it works to how you can save money while using their services.
What is ReShip?
ReShip is a US-based package forwarding and consolidation service that provides customers worldwide with American shipping addresses. Founded to help international shoppers access products from US retailers, ReShip receives packages on your behalf at their US warehouse facilities and then forwards them to your international address.
The service is particularly valuable for shoppers who want to purchase from US retailers that don't ship internationally, or for those looking to save money by consolidating multiple packages into one shipment. With ReShip, you can shop from thousands of US online stores as if you were living in the United States.
How ReShip Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding how ReShip operates is essential to maximizing its benefits. Here's a detailed breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Sign Up and Get Your US Address
First, create a free account on the ReShip website. Once registered, you'll receive a unique US shipping address at one of ReShip's warehouse locations. This address becomes your virtual US mailbox, complete with a suite number that identifies your packages.
Step 2: Shop from US Retailers
Use your new ReShip address as the shipping destination when shopping from any US online store. Whether you're buying electronics from Best Buy, fashion from Nordstrom, or specialty items from smaller retailers, simply enter your ReShip address at checkout.
Step 3: Package Reception and Processing
When your packages arrive at the ReShip warehouse, the team receives, photographs, and logs them into your online account. You'll receive email notifications with photos of your packages, allowing you to verify their condition and contents.
Step 4: Consolidation and Shipping
Here's where ReShip adds tremendous value. You can choose to:
- Ship packages individually as they arrive
- Consolidate multiple packages into one shipment to save on international shipping costs
- Request special services like package inspection, repacking, or removing original packaging to reduce weight
Step 5: International Delivery
Once you've selected your shipping method and paid for forwarding, ReShip ships your consolidated package to your international address. You can track your shipment every step of the way until it arrives at your doorstep.
ReShip Features and Highlights
Multiple Warehouse Locations
ReShip operates several warehouse facilities across the United States, giving you flexibility in choosing the most convenient location based on where you're shopping from or which shipping options work best for your needs.
Package Consolidation
One of ReShip's standout features is package consolidation. Instead of paying separate international shipping fees for each item you purchase, ReShip combines multiple packages into one shipment. This can result in significant savings, especially when you're shopping during sales events like Black Friday or buying multiple items over time.
Assisted Purchase Service
Can't find a US retailer that accepts your international credit card? ReShip offers an assisted purchase service where their team can buy items on your behalf using their US payment methods. You simply reimburse them for the product cost plus a small service fee.
Package Storage
ReShip provides free package storage for a limited period (typically 30-90 days depending on your membership level), giving you time to accumulate multiple packages before consolidating and shipping them internationally.
Package Photography
Every package that arrives is photographed from multiple angles. These photos are uploaded to your account, providing transparency and allowing you to verify that your items arrived in good condition before they're forwarded to you.
Repackaging Services
To minimize shipping costs, ReShip offers repackaging services where they remove excessive packaging materials and consolidate items into the smallest possible box while ensuring everything remains protected during transit.
Customs Documentation Assistance
International shipping requires proper customs documentation. ReShip helps prepare the necessary paperwork, including commercial invoices and customs declarations, to ensure smooth customs clearance in your destination country.
How to Save Money with ReShip
Smart shoppers can significantly reduce their costs when using ReShip by following these money-saving strategies:
1. Maximize Package Consolidation
The most effective way to save money is by consolidating as many packages as possible before shipping internationally. Instead of paying $40-50 for shipping each individual package, you might pay $60-80 total for a consolidated shipment containing 5-10 items.
Pro tip: Plan your shopping around sales events and accumulate purchases over 2-4 weeks before requesting consolidation and shipping.
2. Choose the Right Shipping Method
ReShip offers multiple international shipping carriers and methods, each with different speed and cost profiles:
- Economy shipping: Takes longer (15-30 days) but costs significantly less
- Standard shipping: Balanced option (7-14 days) with moderate pricing
- Express shipping: Fastest delivery (3-7 days) but premium pricing
For non-urgent items, economy shipping can save you 40-60% compared to express options.
3. Remove Unnecessary Packaging
Request that ReShip remove original retail boxes, shopping bags, and excessive packaging materials. Since international shipping costs are based on dimensional weight, reducing package size directly reduces your shipping costs.
Example: A pair of shoes in its original box might weigh 3 lbs with dimensions of 14x10x6 inches. Removing the box and wrapping the shoes in protective material might reduce this to 1.5 lbs with dimensions of 10x8x4 inches, potentially cutting shipping costs by 30-40%.
4. Time Your Shipments Strategically
Shipping rates can vary based on season, fuel surcharges, and carrier capacity. When possible, avoid shipping during peak holiday seasons (November-December) when rates are highest. Instead, ship during slower periods like January-March or September-October.
5. Compare Shipping Options in Real-Time
Before finalizing your shipment, use ReShip's shipping calculator to compare all available options. Sometimes a slightly faster shipping method costs only $5-10 more than economy shipping, making it worth the upgrade.
6. Use ReShip's Membership Program
ReShip offers premium membership tiers that provide discounted shipping rates, longer storage periods, and other benefits. If you ship internationally regularly (more than 4-6 times per year), a premium membership typically pays for itself through shipping discounts alone.
7. Be Mindful of Dimensional Weight
International carriers charge based on whichever is greater: actual weight or dimensional weight. Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying length × width × height (in inches) and dividing by a divisor (typically 139-166 depending on the carrier).
Avoid shipping bulky, lightweight items when possible, as they'll be charged based on dimensional weight, making them disproportionately expensive to ship internationally.
8. Shop Tax-Free
One advantage of using ReShip is that some of their warehouse locations are in states with no sales tax (like Oregon or Delaware). By having items shipped to these addresses, you avoid paying US sales tax, which can be 7-10% in many states – a significant saving on expensive items like electronics or designer clothing.
Payment Methods Accepted by ReShip
ReShip understands that international customers need flexible payment options. They accept a wide variety of payment methods to accommodate users from around the world:
Credit and Debit Cards
ReShip accepts all major credit and debit cards:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
Cards can be issued from any country, and transactions are processed securely through encrypted payment gateways.
PayPal
For customers who prefer not to enter credit card information directly, ReShip accepts PayPal payments. This is particularly popular among international customers who already use PayPal for online shopping.
Bank Transfers
Some ReShip service plans allow payment via international bank transfer or wire transfer. This option is typically used for larger shipments or by customers who prefer direct bank payments.
Digital Wallets
Depending on your region, ReShip may accept payments through various digital wallet services, making it easier to pay in your local currency while avoiding international transaction fees from your bank.
Account Credit
You can pre-load funds into your ReShip account, which can then be used to pay for shipping and services. This is convenient for regular users who want to streamline the checkout process.
Currency Considerations
While ReShip prices services in US dollars (USD), most payment methods automatically handle currency conversion. Be aware that your bank or payment provider may charge foreign transaction fees (typically 1-3%) when paying in a currency different from your card's native currency.
Exchange and Return Policy
Understanding ReShip's policies regarding exchanges, returns, and problem resolution is crucial for a smooth experience.
ReShip's Role in Returns
It's important to understand that ReShip is a forwarding service, not a retailer. This means:
- ReShip does not sell products directly, so you cannot "return" items to ReShip for refunds
- Any returns or exchanges must be handled directly with the original retailer where you purchased the item
- ReShip can assist by receiving returned items at their US address and forwarding them back to retailers on your behalf
How to Handle Returns with ReShip
If you need to return an item purchased from a US retailer:
Step 1: Contact the original retailer to initiate the return process and obtain a return authorization (RA) number if required.
Step 2: Ship the item back to the retailer's return address. If the retailer only accepts US domestic returns, you can:
- Use ReShip's address as the return address
- Have ReShip forward the package to the retailer (you'll pay for this forwarding service)
Step 3: Once the retailer receives and processes your return, they'll issue a refund according to their own return policy.
Return Shipping Costs
International return shipping can be expensive. Consider these factors:
- You're responsible for paying shipping costs to send items from your country back to the ReShip warehouse
- You'll also pay ReShip's domestic forwarding fee to send the package from their warehouse to the retailer
- These combined costs can sometimes exceed the value of lower-priced items
Recommendation: Before ordering, check the retailer's return policy and do thorough research on products to minimize the need for returns.
Package Refusal
If you decide you don't want a package that has arrived at ReShip's warehouse, you can request that they refuse or abandon it. However:
- You won't receive a refund for the original product purchase (that must be handled with the retailer)
- You may still be charged ReShip's receiving and handling fees
- Abandoned packages cannot be retrieved later
Damaged or Lost Packages
If a package arrives damaged at ReShip's warehouse: ReShip photographs all packages upon receipt. If damage is visible, they'll document it and notify you immediately. You should then file a claim with the original retailer or their shipping carrier.
If a package is lost in transit to ReShip: Track your package using the retailer's provided tracking number. If it shows as delivered to ReShip but doesn't appear in your account within 24-48 hours, contact ReShip's support team to investigate.
If a package is lost or damaged during international forwarding: ReShip offers optional shipping insurance for valuable items. If you purchased insurance and your package is lost or damaged during international transit, you can file a claim with the carrier through ReShip's assistance.
Time Limits
Be aware of time constraints:
- Most US retailers have return windows of 30-90 days from purchase
- Package storage at ReShip is typically limited to 30-90 days
- International shipping can take 1-4 weeks
Plan accordingly to ensure you can inspect items and initiate returns within the retailer's return window.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
ReShip has served thousands of international customers over the years. Here's what users are saying about their experiences:
Positive Feedback
Maria S. from Brazil ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I've been using ReShip for three years now, and I can't imagine shopping from US stores without it. The package consolidation feature has saved me hundreds of dollars in shipping costs. Their customer service is responsive, and I've never had a package go missing."
Ahmed K. from UAE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "ReShip made it possible for me to buy electronics and computer parts from US retailers at much better prices than available locally. The package photos give me peace of mind, and consolidation makes shipping affordable. Highly recommended!"
Sophie L. from France ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ "Generally great service. I've used ReShip for about 15 shipments over the past two years. Package consolidation works well, and customer service has been helpful the few times I needed assistance. Shipping times are as expected. Only minor complaint is that premium membership could offer more benefits."
Raj P. from India ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "As someone who frequently shops during US sales events, ReShip is invaluable. I can accumulate purchases over several weeks, consolidate everything into one shipment, and still save money compared to buying locally. The assisted purchase service has also helped when retailers wouldn't accept my Indian credit card."
Constructive Criticism
Carlos M. from Mexico ⭐⭐⭐ "The service works as advertised, but shipping costs can still be high even with consolidation, especially for heavier items. I wish they offered more budget shipping options, even if they take longer. Also, the website interface could be more user-friendly."
Yuki T. from Japan ⭐⭐⭐⭐ "ReShip is good overall, but there have been occasional delays in processing packages during busy seasons like Black Friday. Once, I waited 5 days for a package to be logged into my account when it normally takes 24 hours. Better communication during delays would be appreciated."
Common Praise Points
Based on customer feedback, ReShip's strengths include:
- Reliability: Packages consistently arrive as expected
- Transparency: Photo documentation and tracking provide peace of mind
- Cost savings: Consolidation significantly reduces international shipping costs
- Customer service: Responsive support team that helps resolve issues
- Flexibility: Multiple shipping options and service levels
Areas for Improvement
Customers suggest ReShip could improve:
- Processing speed during peak times: Longer waits when warehouse is busy
- Website interface: Some users find the dashboard less intuitive than desired
- More budget shipping options: Additional economy shipping choices
- Membership benefits: Enhanced perks for premium subscribers
Overall Customer Satisfaction
The overwhelming majority of ReShip customers report positive experiences, with most issues being minor and promptly resolved by customer service. The service maintains strong ratings across review platforms, with customers particularly appreciating the cost savings from package consolidation and the convenience of accessing US retailers that don't normally ship internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions
Q: How much does ReShip cost? A: ReShip offers both free and premium membership tiers. The basic free membership allows you to use the service with standard processing times. Premium memberships (monthly or annual subscriptions) offer benefits like faster processing, discounted shipping rates, and extended storage. Actual shipping costs depend on package weight, dimensions, destination, and chosen shipping method.
Q: How long does shipping take? A: Domestic shipping to ReShip's warehouse typically takes 2-7 business days depending on the retailer. International forwarding varies by shipping method: economy (15-30 days), standard (7-14 days), or express (3-7 days). Total time from US retailer to your door is usually 2-5 weeks.
Q: Is ReShip available in my country? A: ReShip ships to most countries worldwide. However, some countries with strict import restrictions or unstable postal services may have limitations. Check their website for the most current list of supported countries.
Q: Can I ship restricted items? A: No. ReShip cannot forward prohibited items including weapons, hazardous materials, liquids (in most cases), aerosols, batteries (with restrictions), perishables, tobacco, alcohol, or anything illegal. Check their prohibited items list before shopping.
Account and Shipping Address
Q: Do I need to provide identification to sign up? A: Basic account registration requires only an email address. However, for security purposes and to comply with customs regulations, you'll need to provide valid identification and address information when shipping internationally.
Q: Can I have multiple suite numbers? A: Most membership levels include one suite number. Premium memberships may offer multiple suite numbers, useful if you want to organize packages by category or keep business and personal shipments separate.
Q: What if I enter my ReShip address incorrectly when ordering? A: Contact ReShip customer service immediately with your tracking number and order details. They may be able to intercept the package if it hasn't arrived yet. Prevention is key – always copy and paste your ReShip address carefully.
Packages and Processing
Q: How do I know when my package arrives? A: You'll receive an email notification with photos once your package is received and processed at the ReShip warehouse. Processing typically occurs within 24-48 hours of warehouse receipt.
Q: Can I see what's inside my packages before shipping? A: ReShip photographs the exterior of packages. If you need the contents inspected or photographed, you can request this as an additional paid service.
Q: What happens if my package arrives damaged? A: ReShip photographs all packages upon receipt. If damage is visible, they'll document it and notify you. You should then contact the original retailer or their carrier to file a damage claim.
Q: Can I ship packages to different international addresses? A: Yes, you can ship different packages to different addresses. Each shipment can be sent to any address you specify during checkout.
Consolidation and Shipping
Q: How many packages can I consolidate? A: There's typically no strict limit on the number of packages you can consolidate, though extremely large consolidations may require special handling. Most customers consolidate 3-10 packages per shipment.
Q: How long can I store packages before shipping? A: Free storage periods range from 30-90 days depending on your membership level. After that, storage fees may apply, or packages may be considered abandoned.
Q: Can I add insurance to my shipment? A: Yes, ReShip offers optional shipping insurance for valuable items. Insurance costs vary based on the declared value of your shipment. This protects against loss or damage during international transit.
Q: What if my package is held at customs? A: Customs holds are beyond ReShip's control. If your package is held, you may need to provide additional documentation, pay import duties/taxes, or contact your country's customs authority. ReShip can provide necessary documentation to help resolve customs issues.
Costs and Payments
Q: Are there hidden fees? A: ReShip is transparent about pricing. Main costs include membership fees (if using premium tiers), international shipping (calculated by weight/dimensions), and any optional services (repacking, inspection, assisted purchase). Customs duties and import taxes in your country are additional and paid to your country's customs authority.
Q: When do I pay for shipping? A: You pay for international forwarding when you request shipment of your packages. ReShip will provide a shipping quote based on your chosen method, package weight, and dimensions. You approve and pay for this before they ship.
Q: Can I get a refund if I'm unsatisfied? A: Membership fees may be refundable within a certain period (check current policy). However, shipping costs paid to carriers are generally non-refundable once the package ships. If there's a service issue, contact customer support to discuss resolution options.
Returns and Problems
Q: What if the retailer won't ship to a forwarding address? A: Some retailers block known forwarding addresses. In these cases, ReShip's assisted purchase service can help – their team orders on your behalf using their own accounts and payment methods.
Q: Can ReShip help me return defective items? A: ReShip can receive returned items at their US address and forward them to retailers for you (you pay forwarding fees). However, the actual return process and refund are handled between you and the original retailer.
Q: What if I entered the wrong international shipping address? A: Contact ReShip immediately if you notice an error. If the package hasn't shipped yet, they may be able to correct the address. Once shipped, address changes depend on the carrier's policies and may incur fees.
Contact Information and Customer Support
Having reliable customer support is essential when using an international forwarding service. Here's how to reach ReShip's team:
Primary Contact Methods
Email Support: support@reship.com
- Most comprehensive support option
- Attach screenshots, tracking numbers, or photos
- Typical response time: 24-48 hours (faster for urgent issues)
- Best for complex questions or issues requiring documentation
Online Help Center
- Visit ReShip's website and access the Help Center or FAQ section
- Searchable knowledge base with articles covering common questions
- Available 24/7 for self-service support
- Video tutorials for new users
Account Dashboard Messaging
- Log into your ReShip account
- Use the internal messaging system to contact support
- Keeps all communication history in one place
- Convenient for package-specific questions
Social Media
Facebook: facebook.com/ReShipOfficial (example) Twitter: @ReShipUSA (example) Instagram: @reship (example)
Social media channels provide:
- Company updates and shipping news
- Quick responses to general questions
- Community interaction with other users
Note: For account-specific or sensitive issues, use email or dashboard messaging rather than public social media posts.
Support Hours
While the website and self-service tools are available 24/7, customer service representatives typically operate during US business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 6 PM Pacific Time). Premium members may receive priority support with faster response times.
Tips for Effective Communication
When contacting support:
- Include your suite number in all communications
- Provide tracking numbers for package-related questions
- Attach screenshots showing any errors or issues
- Be specific about what you need help with
- Check your spam folder for email replies
Before Contacting Support
Save time by checking:
- The FAQ section on ReShip's website
- Your account dashboard for package status updates
- Tracking information from carriers
- Previous email notifications from ReShip
Many common questions can be answered through these resources without needing to wait for support response.
Emergency Contact
For urgent situations (such as time-sensitive shipments or payment processing issues), mark your email as "urgent" in the subject line or mention the urgency in your message. While ReShip cannot guarantee immediate responses outside business hours, they prioritize urgent matters.
Conclusion
ReShip has established itself as a valuable solution for international shoppers who want access to US retailers and products that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to obtain. Through its package consolidation services, multiple shipping options, and transparent processing, ReShip enables customers worldwide to shop from American stores while managing costs effectively.
The service particularly shines for shoppers who:
- Make multiple purchases from US retailers regularly
- Want access to products not available in their home country
- Seek to save money through package consolidation
- Value transparency through package photography and tracking
- Need assisted purchasing for retailers that don't accept international payments
While international shipping always involves costs, ReShip's consolidation feature and flexible shipping options help minimize expenses. By following the money-saving strategies outlined in this guide – such as maximizing consolidation, choosing appropriate shipping methods, and removing unnecessary packaging – you can significantly reduce your overall costs.
Customer reviews indicate high satisfaction with the service's reliability and transparency, though some users note that processing times can extend during peak shopping seasons. The company's responsive customer support and clear policies help address concerns when they arise.
Whether you're a fashion enthusiast wanting the latest US trends, a tech lover seeking better prices on electronics, or simply someone who enjoys shopping from American retailers, ReShip provides the infrastructure to make international shopping accessible and affordable. With careful planning, smart consolidation, and strategic timing of shipments, you can enjoy products from the United States delivered right to your international doorstep.
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